The Government of Odisha and Japan’s Tottori Prefectural Government have signed a Friendship Agreement along with two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in economic development, industry, entrepreneurship, skill development, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The agreements were signed by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor of Tottori Prefecture Shinji Hirai at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar on November 12.
Approximately 80 Japanese delegates representing industries, technical institutions, banking and financial organizations, and trade and commerce sectors attended the event, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Governor Hirai began his address with the phrase “I love Odisha” in Odia, expressing his dedication to strengthening the relationship between the two regions. He stated, “There are huge opportunities for both Odisha and Tottori Prefecture to strengthen their partnership through economic collaboration, cultural exchange and closer engagement between businesses and people.”
Chief Minister Majhi described the Friendship Agreement as a significant milestone in bringing the people, institutions, and communities of Odisha and Tottori closer together. Referring to the longstanding relationship between India and Japan, based on trust, mutual respect, and shared civilizational ties, he noted that the two regions now have the opportunity to establish a robust regional partnership.
The Chief Minister invited Japanese businesses to explore opportunities in Odisha’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, industrial clusters, and skilled workforce. He emphasized that the partnership should result in tangible outcomes, including business collaborations, employment opportunities, student exchanges, tourism, and cultural connections.
Majhi also noted the presence of established Japanese companies in Odisha such as Indo Nissin, Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, Krosaki, TYK, Yokohama, IHI, and Toray.
Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain underlined the importance of aligning industrial growth with skill development and technical education. He said, “Odisha’s partnership with Tottori Prefecture will strengthen industrial cooperation, technology exchange and investment linkages while advancing skill development and technical education. Through the World Skill Center partnership, we aim to provide industry-aligned vocational training in manufacturing and nursing care, supported by Japanese-language training, creating global employment pathways for our youth.”
Swain further added that collaboration via Startup Odisha would promote business matchmaking, startup exchanges, mentoring, and investor connections to translate shared strengths into innovation and economic opportunities.
Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Gokula Nanda Mallik emphasized the potential for Odisha’s MSMEs and startups to establish business relationships with Tottori through technology partnerships, joint product development, manufacturing linkages, market access, and exchange of business practices. He invited Japanese entrepreneurs to explore opportunities within Odisha’s expanding enterprise ecosystem.
The first MoU was signed between Startup Odisha and the Director of Industries, Tottori Prefecture to encourage business matching, startup exchanges, accelerator programs, mentoring, and stronger connections among enterprises and investors from both regions. The collaboration aims to facilitate cross-border entrepreneurial engagement, technology partnerships, and market access.
The second MoU was signed between the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar and Tottori Prefecture, involving Nihon Edutech, focused on human resource development. This partnership includes vocational training aligned with the needs of businesses in Tottori, particularly in manufacturing and nursing care, alongside Japanese-language training and corporate information sessions.
It seeks to create pathways for skilled youth from Odisha to gain international exposure and employment opportunities in Japan.
The Friendship Agreement outlines cooperation in economic matters, personnel exchange, youth exchange, tourism, culture, and environment. It also promotes exchanges between small and medium businesses, local specialty promotion, student exchanges, and mutual promotion of tourist destinations.
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries, Home and IPR Department Hemant Sharma provided context for the Friendship Agreement, highlighting the growing partnership between Odisha and Japan and stressing the importance of institutional cooperation and sustained engagement across sectors.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata Ishikawa Yoshihisa, members of the Tottori Prefectural Assembly, senior officials, industry representatives, and members of the visiting Japanese delegation.
Following the signing ceremony, the Tottori delegation visited the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar to interact with students, faculty members, and officials. A cultural exchange program was also held at Kala Bhoomi, featuring artistic performances from Japan and Odisha, celebrating the friendship between both regions.
These agreements are intended to provide a structured foundation for sustained engagement between Odisha and Tottori, strengthening economic partnerships while enhancing cultural understanding and people-to-people relations.